Force mapping for automated window mechanism

ABSTRACT

An automated window mechanism having a motor and a force measuring component. A movement path is defined for the window movement relative to a window frame. The force-measuring component measures the force required to move the window along the movement path. The force required is stored as a force map and is a function of position along the path. Deviations from the force map cause the motor to take measures which may include stopping the motor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Provisional Patent No.63/156,338 filed Mar. 3, 2021 entitled FORCE MAPPING FOR AUTOMATEDWINDOW MECHANISM and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63/011,130 filed Apr. 16, 2020 entitled AUTOMATED WINDOW OPENER WITHTELESCOPING ARMS, both of which are incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to automated window openers.

BACKGROUND

Many improvements and developments have been made in the field of SmartHome devices. However, many devices, especially existing devices in aresidence or business (such as sliding windows and window openings, forexample), simply were not designed or configured to be smart.

Traditionally, windows are opened and closed manually for ventilation,energy or security or safety needs. For example, a window may be closedand locked while the owners are away from home to protect the home fromentry by an intruder. A window may be opened in order to vent noxiousgases from the interior of the home to the outside. When the inside ofthe house is hot, a window may be opened to allow cooler outside air toenter the house.

In order to enable these traditional functions to be carried out in anautomated smart system, motorized devices are needed to open and closethe windows.

Automatic opening and closing of sliding windows generally may requireplanning ahead along with using frames that are designed specificallyfor automatic sliding windows. However, when automation of an existinginstallation is desired, a complete replacement of the existing frame iscostly and requires more construction skill than the typical homeownerpossesses.

Therefore, a retrofit mechanism is needed to allow a simple installationof a system that provides motorized control of an existing slidingwindow, allowing a controller to open and close the window. A mechanismthat is retrofitably attached to an existing window would be costeffective and require minimal construction skill.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an automatedwindow mechanism including a motor coupled to a moving component of awindow and being configured to move the moving component relative to awindow frame, and an encoder coupled to the moving portion of the windowand being configured to monitor a position of the moving portionrelative to the frame along a path between a first end point and asecond endpoint. The mechanism also includes a sensor configured tomonitor at least one of current, voltage and velocity to therebydetermine a force required of the motor to move the moving portion alongthe path. The mechanism also includes a processor and a memory that worktogether to store one or more computer-readable instructions executableby the processor to perform acts, including monitoring at least one ofcurrent, voltage, and velocity of the motor to thereby determine a forcerequired to move the moving portion along the path. The acts alsoinclude instructing the motor to move the moving portion from the firstend point to the second end point, monitoring the force as a function ofposition along the path between the first end point and the second endpoint, and storing the force as a function of position as a force map.If the force required to move the moving component deviates from theforce map by more than a predetermined tolerance, the motor is stopped.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a methodof operating an automated window mechanism including receiving a firstendpoint and a second endpoint defining a movement path of a windowrelative to a window frame, moving the window along the movement pathwith a motor, and monitoring a force exerted by the motor as a functionof position of the window relative to the window frame. The method alsoincludes storing the force exerted by the motor as a function ofposition as a force map, and in response to an instruction, moving thewindow along the movement path. The method also includes while the motormoves the window along the movement path, monitoring a current forceexerted by the motor, and comparing the current force to the force map.If the force deviates from the force map by more than a predeterminedthreshold, the motor is stopped.

Still further embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to anautomated window mechanism including a mounting assembly coupled to awindow, the window having a sliding component and a stationarycomponent, the mounting assembly being coupled to one of the slidingcomponent and the stationary component. The mechanism also includes amotor in the mounting assembly, a driveshaft coupled to the motor, agear coupled to the driveshaft, and a rack coupled to the other of thesliding component and the stationary component. The motor drives thedriveshaft and gear to move along the rack to move the sliding componentalong a movement path. The mechanism also includes a force measuringcomponent coupled to one of the motor, driveshaft, and gear and beingconfigured to monitor a force exerted by the motor, and a memoryconfigured to store a force map defined as the force exerted by themotor as a function of position along the movement path. The mechanismalso includes a comparison module configured to compare current forceexerted by the motor during operation of the motor to the force map. Themotor is configured to cease operation if the comparison moduleidentifies a deviation from the force map greater than a predeterminedthreshold.

Further aspects and embodiments are provided in the foregoing drawings,detailed description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are provided to illustrate certain embodimentsdescribed herein. The drawings are merely illustrative and are notintended to limit the scope of claimed inventions and are not intendedto show every potential feature or embodiment of the claimed inventions.The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; in some instances,certain elements of the drawing may be enlarged with respect to otherelements of the drawing for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of an automated window mechanism withtelescoping arms extended.

FIG. 1B is an isometric view of an automated window mechanism withtelescoping arms not extended.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a window assembly with an automatedwindow mechanism mounted to a window frame with telescoping arms notextended.

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of a window assembly with an automatedwindow mechanism mounted to a window frame with telescoping arms fullyextended.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a gear on the end of a drive shaft engagingwith a rack.

FIG. 3B is a side view of a gear on the end of a drive shaft engagingwith a chain.

FIG. 3C is a side view of a gear on the end of a drive shaft engagingwith a pulley belt.

FIG. 3D is a side view of a gear on the end of a drive shaft engagingwith a toothed belt.

FIG. 3E is a side view of a helical gear on the end of a drive shaftengaging with a worm gear drive.

FIG. 3F is a side view of a gear on the end of a drive shaft engagingwith a flexible drive shaft.

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a window assembly with an automatedwindow mechanism mounted to a window frame with telescoping arms fullyextended.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the end of an extended arm in a windowframe where it interfaces with a rack.

FIG. 4C is a top view of a rack and a window assembly according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view an automated window mechanism.

FIG. 5B is an isometric view an automated window mechanism with rackteeth facing away from a user's view.

FIG. 5C is an isometric view an automated window mechanism with rackteeth facing towards a user's view.

FIG. 6 is a section view of the arm extension of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 7A is a close-up isometric view of an actuator assembly with amanual release mechanism in an open position.

FIG. 7B is a close-up isometric view of an actuator assembly with amanual release mechanism in a closed position.

FIG. 8 is a close-up isometric view a gearbox gear interfacing with adrive shaft gear.

FIG. 9A is an isometric view of an automated window mechanism withtelescoping arm extensions extended.

FIG. 9B is an isometric view of an automated window mechanism withtelescoping arm extensions partially retracted.

FIG. 9C is an isometric view of a window assembly with an automatedwindow mechanism mounted to a window frame with telescoping armextensions fully extended.

FIG. 9D is an isometric view of a window assembly with an automatedwindow mechanism mounted to a window frame with telescoping armextensions partially retracted.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an extension arm assembly separated intothe three components of: stationary arm, telescoping arm extension andinterface arm.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an extension arm assembly separated intothe three components of stationary arm, telescoping arm extension andinterface arm.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a telescoping arm extension with threesections.

FIG. 13A is an isometric view of a window assembly with an automatedwindow mechanism mounted to a window frame with extension arm assemblyfully extended.

FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of the end of an interface arm in a windowframe where it interfaces with a rotational force transfer mechanism.

FIG. 14A is an isometric view an automated window mechanism.

FIG. 14B is a section view of the extension arm assembly of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an automated window mechanism includinganchors according to further embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows the anchors of FIG. 15 according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of an anchor according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows an exploded end view of the anchor according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a tongue-and-groove track and anchoraccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 shows a ratchet portion of the anchor according to embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 shows a center alignment member according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the center alignment member according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 illustrates a window for use with an automated window mechanismaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a schematic depiction of a linear path for a moving portionof a window.

FIG. 25 is a schematic illustration of a force map according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 shows the force map of FIG. 25 reproduced, and a second forcemap, which represents a deviation from the force map accounting for thedifferent conditions according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a coupled axial clutch that can be usedwith the automated window mechanisms shown and described herein.

FIG. 28 shows another embodiment of an axial clutch having firstcomponent and second component which each have teeth and without acoupler.

FIG. 29 is a side view of an axial clutch according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 30 shows the axial clutch of FIG. 29 after axial movement causesengagement between teeth and teeth according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 31 shows one component of an axial clutch according to furtherembodiments of the present disclosure in which the teeth are tapered toallow for engagement with corresponding teeth on the other component.

FIG. 32 shows one component of an axial clutch according to embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 is an illustration of an axial clutch and clutch switch assemblyaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 34 is an illustration of an axial clutch and clutch switch assemblyaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 35 is a plot of window position according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 36 is a flow chart diagram of a method for determining andimplementing an automatic, intelligent duty cycle according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 37 illustrates a transmission assembly including an axial clutchformed of a first component and a second component and including atattletale unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 38 shows an alignment tool according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description recites various aspects and embodiments of theinventions disclosed herein. No particular embodiment is intended todefine the scope of the invention. Rather, the embodiments providenon-limiting examples of various compositions, and methods that areincluded within the scope of the claimed inventions. The description isto be read from the perspective of one of ordinary skill in the art.Therefore, information that is well known to the ordinarily skilledartisan is not necessarily included.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughoutthis specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the sameembodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unlessexpressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,”“having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of itemsdoes not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusiveand/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Theterms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

Definitions

The following terms and phrases have the meanings indicated below,unless otherwise provided herein. This disclosure may employ other termsand phrases not expressly defined herein. Such other terms and phrasesshall have the meanings that they would possess within the context ofthis disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. In someinstances, a term or phrase may be defined in the singular or plural. Insuch instances, it is understood that any term in the singular mayinclude its plural counterpart and vice versa, unless expresslyindicated to the contrary.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example,reference to “a substituent” encompasses a single substituent as well astwo or more substituents, and the like.

As used herein, “for example,” “for instance,” “such as,” or “including”are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more generalsubject matter. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, such examples areprovided only as an aid for understanding embodiments illustrated in thepresent disclosure and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion. Nordo these phrases indicate any kind of preference for the disclosedembodiment.

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of an automated window mechanism 100 withtelescoping arms 120 extended. Mounting assembly 110 is shown withtelescoping arms 120 that slide on stationary arm extensions 122 thatare extended out from the main body of the mounting assembly 110.Actuator assembly 112 is located at the center of the mechanism in thisembodiment, and both telescoping arms 120 extend out from the actuatorassembly 112 as shown. An actuator inside the actuator assembly 112rotates main gear 118 that is attached to a first section 116 of thedrive shaft 132. Each end of the drive shaft 132 slide in to an end of atelescoping drive shaft 131 as shown. Each of the two telescoping driveshafts 131 extend out to interface gears 134 at one end of each driveshaft as shown. Each one end is extended out with the telescoping arms120 to fit a window opening as required. The gear teeth of interfacegear 134 engage with the rack teeth (not shown) that are adhesivelyattached to the window frame. The shape of the cross section of thedrive shaft 132 may be an octagon, hexagon or some other shape thatmatches and mates with the cross section of the telescoping drive shaft130, allowing the telescoping drive shaft to slide out to extend to thewindow frame as required. The unique shape prevents the drive shaft 132from rotating inside of the telescoping drive shaft 130. In this way, asthe main gear rotates it transfers that rotational force to theinterface gears 136.

In alternative embodiments, the telescoping drive shaft fits within thedrive shaft. In still other embodiments the drive shaft and thetelescoping drive shaft are not configured to rest one within the other,but instead a configured so as to mate and be connected side by side.

The mounting assembly 110 has slot openings 136 on the end of thetelescoping arms 120 as shown to allow the teeth of the interface gears134 to mesh with rack teeth. The mounting assembly 110 may also have alatching device that mates to a latching receiver attached to theslidable window, wherein mating prevents movement of the slidablewindow. Gears within the gearbox may release the gearbox and actuatorfrom the window mechanism so that a user may have full control of thewindow to slide it open or close it. This provides a way for a user toopen the window in an emergency situation. The manual release 114operates even when the power is off and allows the window to operatecompletely independently from the automated window mechanism. A user mayengage or disengage the manual release 114 in order to have manualcontrol of the window, enabling the user to have full control of theopening and closing mechanism of the window, thus overriding the controlsystem and actuator in case of an emergency.

The components of the automated window mechanism 100 that convey powerthrough drive shafts 132, telescoping arms 120, any gears, or any othermechanism can be collectively referred to as transmission components.The transmission components may vary in different embodiments andinclude some or all of the features disclosed herein and shown in thefigures.

The latching receiver may also include a communication device thatgenerates a signal when the latching device is mated and transmits thatsignal to the controller, which generates a control signal thatdeactivates the motor. The latching device may also have a releasemechanism configured to automatically release a first gear from a firstgear track, thereby allowing the slidable frame to be moved to an openposition by the user, in response to an emergency condition as detectedby at least one of the one or more sensors.

FIG. 1B is an isometric view of an automated window mechanism withtelescoping arms not extended. The position of the telescoping arms 120in this example embodiment are in a retracted 140 position. Thetelescoping arms are retracted 140 before the mounting assembly 110 isinstalled or retrofitted to an existing window assembly. In thisexample, each end of the drive shaft 132 is partially retracted insideof each of the telescoping drive shafts 131 as shown. The telescopingarms 120 are also slid in further, thus overlapping sections of thestationary arm extensions 122 as shown in this embodiment.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a window assembly with an automatedwindow mechanism mounted to a window frame with telescoping arms 120 notextended. Window assembly 210 is shown with stationary window 240 andsliding window 230. Mounting assembly 110 is shown with telescoping arms120 in a retracted position, prior to being fully installed orretrofitted to the window frame. In this embodiment, the mountingassembly 120 has already been attached to top of the frame of thesliding window 130 as shown. The telescoping arms are ready to beextended 212 out to fit the window opening. Racks 220 have already beenadhesively attached to the frame of the window assembly 210 as shown.Each of the ends of the telescoping arms 120 align with the racks 220,allowing the interface gears to align with the rack teeth once thetelescoping arms 120 have been fully extended to fit the window opening.Slot openings 136 are shown on the ends of the telescoping arms.

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of a window assembly with an automatedwindow mechanism mounted to a window frame with telescoping arms fullyextended. In this embodiment, window assembly 210 is shown withstationary window 240 and sliding window 230. Mounting assembly 110 isshown with telescoping arms 120 in a fully extended position, havingbeen fully installed or retrofitted to the window frame. In thisembodiment, the telescoping arms 120 are extended out to fit the windowopening. Each of the ends of the telescoping arms 120 have been fullyextended to align with the racks 220, engaging the interface gears withthe rack teeth. In this example, the system is now completely installedand ready to be controlled by a controller.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a gear on the end of a drive shaft engagingwith a rack. Mounting assembly 110 is shown with gearbox 310. Rack 220is shown, along with interface gear 134. Interface gear 134 is furthershown with gear teeth 312 meshing with rack teeth 320. The end of thedrive shaft is attached 316 to interface gear 314 as shown. In thisembodiment, as the actuator rotates the drive shaft, interface gear 314is rotated by the actuator and causes the mounting assembly to either upor down along the rack 220, thus opening or closing the sliding windowthe mounting assembly is attached to. In this example embodiment,rotating the interface gear 134 clockwise may open the window, androtating the interface gear 134 counterclockwise may close the window.

FIG. 3B is a side view of a gear on the end of a drive shaft engagingwith a chain. Drive shaft 316 is attached to transfer gear 330. Transfergear 330 engages with interface chain 331 and rotates chain 331 aroundgear 332 supported by bracket 333 which is attached to a frame componentof the window assembly. Bracket 336 is attached 337 to the chain 331 asshown, and slides 338 the window open and closed as the drive shaft 316rotates.

FIG. 3C is a side view of a gear on the end of a drive shaft engagingwith a pulley belt. Drive shaft 316 is attached to interface pulley 341.Interface pulley 341 engages with interface belt 345 and rotates belt343 around pulley 343 supported by bracket 344 which is attached to aframe component of the window assembly. Bracket 346 is attached 347 tothe belt 345 as shown, and slides 348 the window open and closed as thedrive shaft 316 rotates.

FIG. 3D is a side view of a gear on the end of a drive shaft engagingwith a toothed belt. Drive shaft 316 is attached to interface pulley350. Interface pulley 350 engages with toothed belt 352 and rotates belt352 around pulley 354 supported by bracket 355 which is attached to aframe component of the window assembly. Bracket 356 is attached 357 tothe toothed belt 352 as shown, and slides 358 the window open and closedas the drive shaft 316 rotates.

FIG. 3E is a side view of a helical gear on the end of a drive shaftengaging with a worm gear drive. Drive shaft 316 is attached to helicalgear 316. Helical gear 316 engages with worm gear 362 and rotatesthreaded shaft 364. Threaded shaft 364 rotates inside threaded sleeve368 of bracket 366. Bracket 366 is attached to the frame of the slidingwindow in this embodiment, and slides 361 the window open and closed asthe drive shaft 316 rotates.

FIG. 3F is a side view of a gear on the end of a drive shaft engagingwith a flexible drive shaft. Drive shaft 316 is attached 370 to flexibledrive shaft 372. Flexible drive shaft 372 is attached 376 to threadedshaft 378. Threaded shaft 378 is supported by bracket 374, and rotatesinside threaded sleeve 388 of bracket 380. Bracket 380 is attached tothe frame of the sliding window in this embodiment, and slides 381 thewindow open and closed as the drive shaft 316 rotates.

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a window assembly with an automatedwindow mechanism mounted to a window frame with telescoping arms fullyextended. In this embodiment, window assembly 210 is shown along withmounting assembly 110 is shown with telescoping arms in a fully extendedposition, having been fully installed or retrofitted to the windowframe. Interface view 410 of the mounting assembly 110 with the rack 220is further detailed in an enlarged view as shown in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the end of an extended arm in a windowframe where it interfaces with a rack. This enlarged view details theinterface between the telescoping arm 120 which is fully extended to fitthe window frame, with rack 220 shown along with rack teeth 320.

FIG. 4C is a top view of a rack 220 and a window assembly 210 accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure. The window assembly 210 has aparallel surface 222 that is parallel to a direction of movement of thewindow relative to the window assembly. The rack 220 has a concaveright-angle profile 224 with an adhesive 226 that fastens to theparallel surface 222. Fastening mechanisms other than adhesives can beused. The parallel surface 222 is a convex right-angle profile. Manywindow assemblies have such a profile on a portion of a frame of a metalsupport feature to which the rack 220 can be fastened. The rack 220 hasa uniform thickness which makes for convenient injection molding duringmanufacture. The rack 220 can be considered two plates: a first plate245 carrying the adhesive 226, and a second plate 247 connected to thefirst plate 245. A union between the first plate 245 and second plate247 forms the concave right-angle profile 224. The second plate 247 hasteeth 320 protruding therefrom. The shape of the rack 220 accordinglyallows installation without measuring and guesswork.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view an automated window mechanism. Mountingassembly 110 is shown with telescoping arms 120 extended out from themain body of the mounting assembly 110. In this embodiment, telescopingarms 120 are locked into place by frictional protrusions 520 on aninterior surface of the telescoping arms 120. In addition to thesefrictional protrusions, there are also locking mechanisms 522 that maybe activated by a user in order to further lock the arms in place. Theselocking mechanisms 522 may also include a mechanical release allowingthe user to release the lock if needed to reposition the telescopingarms 120, or to remove the mounting assembly 110 in order to uninstallthe system if needed. Slot openings 136 on the end of the telescopingarms 120 are shown ready to be aligned with a rack. Section view 510 isfurther detailed in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 5B is an isometric view an automated window mechanism with rackteeth facing away from a user's view. Mounting assembly 110 is shownwith telescoping arms 120 extended out from the main body of themounting assembly 110. A user interface device is shown in thisembodiment as three buttons 532 on the front (user facing side) of themounting assembly 110. Each of the buttons 532 may cause the actuator toopen or close the window or activate other actions as needed. The manualrelease 114 is also shown. In this embodiment, racks 220 are facing awayfrom the window and away from the user. At distal ends of thetelescoping arms 120 there are guidance panels 121 that extend from thetelescoping arms 120 and engage with a base of the rack 220 opposite theteeth 320 of the rack 220. The guide panels 121 help to maintain thegear in a meshed engagement with the rack 220.

FIG. 5C is an isometric view an automated window mechanism with rackteeth facing towards a user's view. Mounting assembly 110 is shown withtelescoping arms 120 extended out from the main body of the mountingassembly 110. A user interface device is shown in this embodiment astouch screen 540 on the front (user facing side) of the mountingassembly 110. In this embodiment, racks 220 are facing towards thewindow and towards the user.

FIG. 6 is a section view of the arm extension of FIG. 5A. This crosssection of telescoping arms 120 shows stationary arm extensions 122 withinterfacing protrusions 620 locking in with frictional protrusions 610on an interior surface of the telescoping arms 120.

FIG. 7A is a close-up isometric view of an actuator assembly with amanual release mechanism in an open position. A close-up view ofmounting assembly 110 is shown. Motor actuator 710 drives gears withingearbox 712 that in turn cause position gear 724 to engage with maingear 118, thus rotating drive shaft 132. Rotary position encoder 730aligns with magnetic position indicator 732 as shown. The rotaryposition encoder 730 may inform the control system regarding the currentrotational position of the drive shaft 132. As the window opens andcloses, the end points of the fully open and fully closed positions maybe determined by the rotary position encoder 724. In addition to theseend points, the rotary position encoder 724 may further communicatespecific positions of the drive shaft 132 that have more friction or apotential obstruction. Any changes to a default window travel model maybe discovered by the sensors and control system in real time. A defaultwindow travel model may be established when the system is firstinstalled on the window assembly. This model may be referred to by thecontrol system to determine any real-time departures from the model thatmay indicate a problem. An alert may be sent to the user indicating thisaberration or departure from the established model. The user may thenindicate that this is OK (no obstruction was found) to update thedefault model. The user may alternatively remove an obstruction, thenindicate that the obstruction has been cleared by entering an “OK”button on an app—indicating that the obstruction has been clear and itis now “OK” to return to the original model and to now re-engage thecontrol system.

A user may also partially open a window and enter that as a desiredposition for ventilating a room for example. The user may select thiswindow position by setting a position name (for example “ventilation”)in the app. The control system may then control the opening of thewindow to this specific position when called on by a preset for“ventilation” in the app. Other positions such as “morning cooling” mayalso be identified either as factory presets, or as defined by a userfor a schedule that is adhered to by the control system. For example,the control system may be programmed to open several windows in themorning according to the preprogrammed position of “morning cooling” inorder to allow a whole house fan to bring in cool morning air in theearly morning hours in the summer.

The manual release 114 is shown in this embodiment in an engagedposition wherein the control system has full control of the operation ofthe window. Position indicator 742 is not aligned with position sensor740 in this example. Position sensor 740 indicates to the control systemthat the system is fully engaged and may control the opening and closingof the window.

FIG. 7B is a close-up isometric view of an actuator assembly with amanual release mechanism in a closed position. A close-up view ofmounting assembly 110 is shown. In this embodiment, a user has slid 738to the right, thus activating the manual release 114 into a manualover-ride position, allowing the user to fully control the opening andclosing of the window. The manual release 114 is shown in thisembodiment in a dis-engaged position wherein the control system does nothave control of the operation of the window. Position indicator 742 isaligned with position sensor 740 in this example. Position sensor 740indicates to the control system that the system is dis-engaged and maynot control the opening and closing of the window. The user now has fullcontrol of the window.

In FIG. 7B, the control system has now been disengaged by disengaging agear connected to the motor actuator 710 from one or more gears insidethe gearbox 712. With the gearbox 712 in this condition (disengaged), itis still necessary for the system to keep track of the window positionafter the user has slid it open or closed 9 or partially open). Once thesystem is re-engaged and takes control of the window in the future, itmay not know the position the window was left in by the user. In orderto communicate the user selected position to the control system, theuser selected window position is indicated to the control system by therotary position encoder 730. While the gears are disengaged within thegearbox 712, the position of the window may still be communicated to thecontrol system via the rotary position encoder 730 since the drive shaft132 will still rotate as the window is slid open and closed by the user.

FIG. 8 is a close-up isometric view a gearbox gear interfacing with adrive shaft gear. Position gear 724 is shown engaged with main gear 118,thus rotating drive shaft 132. Rotary position encoder 730 aligns withmagnetic position indicator 732 as shown. Sensor 810 may send a signalto the control system indicating the current rotational position ofdrive shaft 132.

FIG. 9A is an isometric view of an automated window mechanism withtelescoping arm extensions extended. Mounting assembly 900 is shown withextension arm assemblies on either side of the main body 910 of theactuator assembly with stationary arms 922 extending out to telescopingarm extensions 915 and on to interface arms 920 as shown. Main driveshaft 932 is connected to telescoping drive shaft 925. Telescoping driveshaft 925 is connected to interface drive shaft 930 as shown. Main driveshaft 932 is rotated by the actuator, and in turns rotates bothtelescoping drive shaft 925 along with interface drive shaft 930. All ofthe drive shafts have a similar keyed configuration that allows for themto be slid together and operate together as a single drive shaft.

FIG. 9B is an isometric view of an automated window mechanism withtelescoping arm extensions partially retracted. The position of thetelescoping arm extensions 915 in this example embodiment are in aretracted 940 position. The telescoping arm extensions 915 are retracted940 before the mounting assembly is installed or retrofitted to anexisting window assembly. In certain embodiments, a window may be toowide for the stationary arms 922 together with the interface arms 920 toreach. In this case, the assembly is extended by adding the telescopingarm extensions 915 to extend the arms out far enough to reach the widthof the larger window. The telescoping feature allows the assembly to beadjusted to fit the larger size as needed.

FIG. 9C is an isometric view of a window assembly with an automatedwindow mechanism mounted to a window frame with telescoping armextensions fully extended. Window assembly 210 is shown with themounting assembly telescoping arm extensions 915 fully extended to fitthe window as required.

FIG. 9D is an isometric view of a window assembly with an automatedwindow mechanism mounted to a window frame with telescoping armextensions partially retracted. In this embodiment, the telescoping armextensions 915 are partially retracted 912 to allow the mountingassembly to be placed in position prior to installation. Interface arms920 are ready to be extended out towards the window frame as needed forinstallation.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an extension arm assembly separated intothe three components of: stationary arm, telescoping arm extension andinterface arm. In this example embodiment, the three components of theextension arm assembly have not been connected together yet. In somecases, the window size may be too large for the stationary arm 922together with the interface arm 920 to reach. Telescoping arm extension915 is shown placed between the stationary arm 922 and the interface arm920 in order to extend out the arm assembly to reach to the wide widthof a larger window opening. The length of the telescoping arm extension915 is adjustable and held in place, once adjusted to fit the opening asrequired, by a locking mechanism.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an extension arm assembly separated intothe three components of stationary arm, telescoping arm extension andinterface arm, with drive shafts and connection fittings shown.Interface arm 920 is shown with interface drive shaft 930. Interfacedrive shaft 930 has a male keyed connector 1117 that mates with femalekeyed connector 1115 of telescoping drive shaft 925. Sliding section1110 of drive shaft 925 allows the length of the telescoping drive shaft925 to be adjusted as needed. Telescoping drive shaft 925 connects viamale connector 1125 to female connector 1127 of main drive shaft 932 instationary arm 922 as shown.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a telescoping arm extension with threesections. In this example embodiment, telescoping drive shaft 925 isillustrated with three sections. In some cases, two sections may not belong enough to accommodate a very large window. In this case 3 or moresections may be needed to reach. Section 1210 slides into section 1212.Section 1211 slides into section 1214. All of these sections function asone assembly to extend out the arm as required.

FIG. 13A is an isometric view of a window assembly with an automatedwindow mechanism mounted to a window frame with extension arm assemblyfully extended. In this embodiment, main body 910 of the mountingassembly is shown mounted in window assembly 210. telescoping armextensions 915 are shown partially extended to interface arms 920 inorder to retrofit the assembly to the window frame. Interface view 1305of rack 1310 is further detailed in an enlarged view as shown in FIG.13B.

FIG. 13B is an enlarged view of the end of an interface arm in a windowframe where it interfaces with a rotational force transfer mechanism.This enlarged view details the interface between the interface arm 920which is fully extended to fit the window frame, with rack 1310 shownalong with rack teeth 1320. The rotational force transfer mechanism inthis example embodiment is the rack type assembly. Other embodiments ofthe rotational force transfer mechanism are shown in FIGS. 3B, 3C, 3D,3E, and 3F.

FIG. 14A is an isometric view an automated window mechanism. Main body910 of the mounting assembly is shown with telescoping arm extensions915 mostly compressed and extending out from the main body 910. In thisembodiment, telescoping arm extensions 915 are locked into place byfrictional protrusions 1420 on an interior surface of the telescopingarm extensions 915. In addition to these frictional protrusions 1420,there are also locking mechanisms 1422 that may be activated by a userin order to further lock the arms in place. These locking mechanisms1422 may also include a mechanical release allowing the user to releasethe lock if needed to reposition the telescoping arm extensions 915, orto remove the mounting assembly in order to uninstall the system ifneeded. Section view 1410 is further detailed in FIG. 14B.

FIG. 14B is a section view of the extension arm assembly of FIG. 14A.This cross section of the extension arm assembly shows two telescopingarm extensions 915 interlocking to each other via locking mechanism1432. Stationary arm 922 is shown with interfacing protrusions 1430locking in with frictional protrusions on an interior surface of thetelescoping arm extensions 915. Interface arm 920 locks in via similarlocking mechanism 1434 with telescoping arm extension 915 as shown.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an automated window mechanism 1500including anchors 1501 according to further embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The automated window mechanism 1500 includes a housing 1504that surrounds components of the automated window mechanism 1500. Theanchors 1501 secure the automated window mechanism 1500 to the window130. The window 130 has an outer face 1503 that is perpendicular to theglass portion of the window and is a leading surface as the window isslid relative to the frame to open and close the window.

FIG. 16 shows the anchors 1501 of FIG. 15 according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure. In the shown embodiment there are two anchors1501: one on each side of the assembly. In other embodiments there maybe a different number of anchors including two or more on each side, orone side with no anchoring. The anchors 1501 have an L-shaped profilethat will be shown in greater detail below. The L-shaped profile allowsthe anchors 1501 to be located on the surface of the window with a smalllip on the front side and the larger portion on the upward-facingsurface. The anchors 1501 can be flat, having no L-shaped component andcan be secured to the outer face 1503 of the window 130. The anchors1501 can be secured using glue, screws, adhesive, or using any suitableattachment mechanism.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of an anchor 1501 according to embodimentsof the present disclosure. The anchor 1501 comprises a mechanism piece1508 and a window piece 1510. The mechanism piece 1508 attaches to theautomated window mechanism 1500 shown in FIG. 15 . The window piece 1510attaches to the window 130. The window piece 1510 and mechanism piece1508 interlock together to form the anchor 1501. The window piece 1510includes a base member 1511, a first tongue-and-groove protrusion 1512a, and a second tongue-and-groove protrusion 1512 b that each have aninterlocking surface. The shape of the interlocking surfaces may varyand can include a trapezoidal shape or any other suitable interlockingshape. The mechanism piece 1508 includes a base member 1514, a firsttongue-and-groove protrusion 1516 a, a second tongue-and-grooveprotrusion 1516 b, and a third tongue-and-groove protrusion 1516 cextending downward from the base member 1514. The tongue-and-grooveprotrusions of the mechanism piece 1508 and the window piece 1510interlock with one another to allow the anchor 1501 to slide in atransverse direction toward and away from the viewer. The transversedirection is defined in this context as a direction perpendicular to theplane of the window. The tongue-and-groove protrusions 1512 a-b and 1516a-c allow the window piece 1510 to slide relative to the mechanism piece1508 in the transverse direction, but prevents sliding in otherdirections. The shape of the tongue-and-groove protrusions can vary andstill accomplish the desired effect. This motion allows the automatedwindow mechanism 1500 to be installed and aligned properly in thetransverse direction.

FIG. 18 shows an exploded end view of the anchor 1501 according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The window piece 1510 is shown inthis view revealing the L-shaped profile mentioned above. The windowpiece 1510 includes a lip 1518 and a base member 1511. The lip 1518 issmaller than the base member 1511 and helps align the anchor 1501 to thewindow.

The mechanism piece 1508 has a tongue-and-groove profile defined byprotrusions 1520 that extend outwardly at an upper region. The preciseshape of the keyed profile may vary and need not be equal to the shownangle and may have a more complex shape. The tongue-and-groove profileof the protrusions 1520 allows the mechanism piece 1508 to move relativeto the automated window mechanism 1500 as will be shown in FIG. 19 . Thesliding permitted in a direction perpendicular to the transversedirection mentioned above, and perpendicular to the direction the windowtravels as it opens and closes.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a tongue-and-groove track 1522 (alsoreferred to herein as “track 1522”) and anchor 1501 according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The track 1522 can be found on anunderside of the automated window mechanism 100. In some embodiments thetrack 1522 is integral to the mechanism. In other embodiments the track1522 is a separate piece that is attached to the mechanism. The track1522 comprises a toothed region 1526 and interlocking protrusions 1528.The interlocking 1528 complement the protrusions 1520 of the mechanismpiece 1508 and allow the track 1522 to slide along the window frame. Thelength of the track 1522 can depend on the size of the automated windowmechanism relative to the window into which it will be installed. In theshown embodiment the track 1522 is approximately as long as the anchor1501.

FIG. 20 shows a ratchet portion 1530 of the anchor 1501 according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The ratchet portion 1530comprises a detent 1532 supported by a flexible arm 1534. When theanchor 1501 is installed between a window and an automated windowmechanism the detent 1532 interacts with the toothed region 1526 shownin FIG. 19 . The flexible arm 1534 allows the detent 1532 to deflectwhen it is moved along the toothed region 1526. The detent 1532 andtoothed region 1526 provides some resistance to movement of the track1522 relative to the anchor 1501. In some embodiments the profile of thedetent 1532 and toothed region 1526 allow one-way movement only, similarto a zip tie. In other embodiments the detent 1532 allows the keyedanchor to move back and forth, but providing some resistance allows thekeyed anchor to hold the components in place unless a sufficient forceis applied to move them. In some embodiments the toothed region 1526 anddetent 1532 require five pounds of pressure before moving.

The flexible arm 1534 and detent 1532 can be integral to the mechanismpiece 1508 which can be made of a flexible material such as plastic. Themechanism piece 1508 can be molded or otherwise formed to define athree-sided perimeter around the flexible arm 1534. The is arrangementallows the flexible arm 1534 to move up and down as needed when theanchor 1501 slides relative to the automated window mechanism.

FIG. 21 shows a center alignment member 1540 according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The center alignment member 1540 has a basemember 1542 and an interlocking protrusion 1544 that extends upward fromthe base member 1542 and has a keyed, interlocking profile similar tothe protrusions 1520 of the mechanism piece 1508. The automatic windowmechanism 1500 of the present disclosure can include a track on anunderside that can receive the interlocking protrusion 1544 and allowthe automatic window mechanism 1500 to slide along the interlockingprotrusion 1544 in the transverse direction to align the automaticwindow mechanism 1500 relative to the window.

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the center alignment member 1540according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The center alignmentmember 1540 has a lip 1546 and a base member 1542 similar to the windowpiece 1510 and interfaces with the window in a similar manner as well.The anchors 1501 of the present disclosure accordingly allow theautomatic window mechanism 1500 to be aligned with the window for easeof installation and use. The anchors 1501 prevent the automatic windowmechanism 1500 to move upward away from the window and ensure thatmovement of the automatic window mechanism 1500 causes movement of thewindow in the frame. Furthermore, the anchors 1501 and center alignmentmember 1540 allow movement along the keyed protrusions of the variouspieces.

The anchors 1501 and center alignment member 1540 can be used to installthe automated window mechanism 1500 to a portion of the window or windowframe. The anchors 1501 and center alignment member 1540 have certaindimensions and proportions that are chosen according to a certaindesired placement of the automated window mechanism 1500 relative to awindow and frame. Referring to FIG. 22 , the center alignment member1540 can be placed onto the window with the base member 1542 flatagainst a top surface of the window with the lip 1546 against a frontsurface of the window. Similarly, as shown to advantage in FIG. 18 , theanchors 1501 can be placed against the window with a base member 1511flat against the top of the window and a lip 1518 against the front. Thesame procedure can be used in a horizontally sliding window, in whichcase the center alignment member 1540 and anchors 1501 can be held inplace using an adhesive, suction, or any other suitable temporary orpermanent attachment means.

With the lips and base members of the anchors 1501 and center alignmentmember 1540 in place relative to the window edge, the protrusions 1520are in a desired location for installing the automated window mechanism100, which can be keyed onto the protrusions on the center alignmentmember 1540 by moving the automated window mechanism 1500 transverselytoward the window. The mechanism piece 1508 can also be keyedly engagedin a similar way. The top portion of the mechanism piece 1508 can thenengage the telescoping arms of the automated window mechanism 1500 tokeyedly engage in a parallel direction generally parallel with the edgeof the window frame.

The anchors 1501 can include rack-engaging components 1547 that contactracks 220 (refer to FIGS. 2A and 2B). The rack-engaging components 1547align the automated window mechanism 1500 with the racks 220. Theautomated window mechanism 1500 can be keyedly secured to the centeralignment member 1540 and the mechanism piece 1508 (aka the endalignment members) to ensure the transmission components of theautomated window mechanism 1500 (such as a gear) are properly alignedwith the racks.

Accordingly, the anchors 1501 and center alignment member 1540 provideinstallation guidance and alignment to the automated window mechanism100. The installer need not measure, cut, or align the pieces. With theanchors 1501 aligned with the telescoping arms, the automated windowmechanism 1500 can operate without binding, twisting, or any other undueand unwanted torques or forces in the mechanism.

FIG. 23 illustrates a window 1600 for use with an automated windowmechanism according to the present disclosure. The window 1600 includesa frame 1602, a bottom panel 1606, and a top panel 1604. The window 1600has installed an automated window mechanism 1605 that is in thisembodiment coupled to an upper frame of the lower panel 1606.

The window 1600 is shown in two states: closed, in which case the toppanel 1604 and bottom panel 1606 do not overlap and each covers aportion of the window 1600; and open in which case the bottom panel 1606has been raised and covers a portion of the top panel 1604. Referring tothe window 1600 in the open state, the lower panel 1606 has been raisedup a distance A, leaving a small remainder distance B above the window.The distance B represents a distance the lower panel 1606 may yet travelto open the window 1600 even further.

In other embodiments the window 1600 can have a different configuration,resulting in a different definition of open and closed. It is to beappreciated that features of the present disclosure described herein canbe equally applied to windows having different configurations, such as adifferent number of panels, a horizontally moving window, etc. Thewindow 1600 can also be replaced by another type of sliding segment suchas a sliding door or shower panel or any other suitable type of movablepanel that can be used with the automated window mechanism 1605 of thepresent disclosure. Furthermore, in some embodiments the top panel 1604may carry the automated window mechanism 1605. In yet other embodimentsboth panels may carry an automated window mechanism that can operateindependently or in concert to move the top panel 1604 and bottom panel1606.

FIG. 24 is a schematic depiction of a linear path 1609 for a movingportion of a window 1600. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23 , themoving portion is the bottom panel 1606 without loss of generality. Thebottom panel 1606 has an automated window mechanism 1605 attached thatmoves the bottom panel 1606 along the path 1609. The path 1609 isdefined by a fully closed position 1608 and a fully open position at1621, defining the limits of possible movement of the bottom panel 1606along the path 1609 as defined by the geometry of the frame itself.Windows are irregular, however, and may or may not be able to move fromthe fully open position 1621 to the fully closed position 1618. The path1609 includes first end point 1619 and second end point 1620 which aredefined as the actually movable path for the bottom panel 1606 to movealong the path 1609. In some embodiments the bottom panel 1606 will beable to reach the fully open position 1621 and the fully closed position1618 in which case the first end point 1619 coincides with the fullyclosed position 1618 and the second end point 1620 coincides with thefully open position 1621. Once the first end point 1619 and second endpoint 1620 have been identified, the actual path of motion 1610 for thebottom panel 1606 is defined. The automated window mechanism 1605 cantherefore be calibrated to use the actual path of motion 1610 to definewhen the bottom panel 1606 is fully open and fully closed.

In order to determine the first end point 1619 and the second end point1620, the following procedure can be executed. The automated windowmechanism 1605 comprises a motor 1614 and an encoder 1616. The encoder1616 can record the position of the automated window mechanism 1605 byrecording movement of the automated window mechanism 1605. Uponinstalling the automated window mechanism 1605, a calibration operationcan be initiated using digital controls which may be initiated using aremote device or by a button or switch on the automated window mechanism1605 itself. Initiating the calibration operation can cause a processorand non-volatile memory on the automated window mechanism 1605 to beginthe calibration operation which includes monitoring values noted by theencoder 1616 and/or motor 1614.

In some embodiments the calibration operation is executed by disengagingthe motor 1614 while the encoder 1616 remains engaged. Accordingly, thebottom panel 1606 with attached automated window mechanism 1605 can bemanually moved along the path 1609. While the bottom panel 1606 is beingmoved, the encoder 1616 can record two values defining extreme valueswhich correspond to the first end point 1619 and the second end point1620. Once the user is satisfied that the bottom panel 1606 has beenmoved as far up and down as desired or possible, the user can instructthe automated window mechanism 1605 that the calibration operation iscomplete. In response to this instruction the automated window mechanism1605 can engage the motor 1614 and use the two values as the first endpoint 1619 and second end point 1620 for purposes of defining the actualpath of motion 1610 for the bottom panel 1606. Armed with thisinformation, when requested to open or close the window, the automatedwindow mechanism 1605 actuates the motor 1614 until reaching the firstend point 1619 or second end point 1620 at which point the motor 1614 isstopped because the bottom panel 1606 has reached the end of the actualpath of motion 1610.

The calibration operation can be executed at any desired time, such asto define new open and closed positions. For example, suppose the userhas a pet who is prone to escape through an open window. The user cancalibrate the window to open only a small amount to prevent escape.

In other embodiments the calibration operation can be executed using themotor 1614 to move the bottom panel 1606 along the path 1609 in order todefine the first end point 1619 and second end point 1620. Uponreceiving an instruction to calibrate, the motor 1614 can be used tomove the bottom panel 1606 up and down. The limit of movement can bedefined at points at which the motor 1614 meets sufficient resistance toconclude that the extent has been reached. In some embodiments the motor1614 can have a predetermined current level and if the motor begins todraw more than the predetermined current level the extent has beenreached. In some embodiments the encoder 1616 can also be used inaddition to motor parameters to define the end points. For example, inorder to conclude that the end point (first or second) has been reached,the encoder 1616 would report the bottom panel 1606 is no longer moving.This information in addition to the motor parameter (which may includecurrent or any other motor parameter) is used to conclude that the endpoint has been reached.

In some embodiments the motor 1614 of the automated window mechanism1605 can be used to execute the calibration. In this case the end pointsare defined according to physical limits of movement of the window. Theuser can give an instruction to the automated window mechanism 1605 tocalibrate using the motor 1614. The motor 1614 can move in a firstdirection until it encounters sufficient resistance to conclude that afirst physical limit has been reached. The automated window mechanism1605 can record the current position using the encoder 1616 and set itas the first end point 1619. Then the motor 1614 moves in the oppositedirection until it encounters sufficient resistance to conclude that asecond physical limit has been reached. The automated window mechanism1605 can record the current position using the encoder 1616 and set itas the second end point 1620. The automated window mechanism 1605 canalert the user that the calibration is complete by emitting a sound, alight, or other notification.

The resistance that defines physical limits can be determined usingmotor parameters such as current drawn, wattage, or any other suitablemotor parameter. In other embodiments the resistance is measured usingphysical measurements such as stress and strain on components in atransmission between the motor 1614 and a rack or other such mechanismused to move the window. The amount of resistance can be set low enoughto avoid injury to persons or objects.

FIG. 25 is a schematic illustration of a force map 1630 according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The force map 1630 comprises aplot of force required to move the bottom panel 1606 between the firstend point 1619 and second end point 1620. The force map 1630 can be usedwith the actual path of motion 1610, or it can be used between the fullyclosed position 1618 and fully open position 1620 without calibrating.

An automated window mechanism 1605 can plot the force map 1630 using thefollowing procedure. The automated window mechanism 1605 can movebetween the endpoints (whether defined by a fully closed or openposition, or by a calibrated end point) and as it moves, the automatedwindow mechanism 1605 records the force required to move as a functionof position along the path 1609 (or the actual path of motion 1610 ifcalibrated and using end points). The automated window mechanism 1605can include a force measuring component that can measure load usingvoltage, current, or velocity of an electric motor. Other mechanisms forrecording the force can include strain gauges or other known methods andmechanisms for measuring a force exerted by a motor.

The force can be plotted using any desired number of discrete pointsalong the path 1609. In some embodiments there are a sufficiently highnumber of points that the force map 1630 is effectively a continuousline. The force map 1630 pictured in FIG. 25 is shown as one ofinfinitely many example plots. This force map 1630 has a first peak 1632and a second peak 1634, and valleys between. It is to be understood thatwindows differ greatly in an amount of force required to move and that aforce map 1630 for each window may be unique.

The automated window mechanism 1605 stores this force map 1630 andemploys the force map 1630 to raise and lower the bottom panel 1606.That is, when an instruction is given to the automated window mechanism1605 to raise or lower the bottom panel 1606, the automated windowmechanism 1605 can identify its position along the path 1609, access inmemory the force map 1603, and accordingly instruct a motor (1614 inFIG. 24 ) to exert a proportional amount of energy to move the bottompanel 1606.

In some embodiments if a sufficiently high slope of the force map 1630is detected the automated window mechanism 1605 can cause the motor tocreate momentum by increasing the speed of movement of the bottom panel1606 to assist with conquering the high peak. In other embodiments theautomated window mechanism 1605 can exert pulses of intermittent impactto help overcome a high peak in the force map 1630. In some embodimentsthe automated window mechanism 1605 can include an impulse motor whichcan be a setting of the standard motor, or a separate device. Theimpulse motor can be configured to exert short, high energy pulses toovercome a high peak which may represent a sticking point in the path ofthe window.

In some embodiments the force map 1630 can be updated from time to timesuch that the force map 1630 remains accurate. To update the force map1630 the automated window mechanism 1605 can be instructed manually tomake the movements and calculations again. In other embodiments theupdates can be on a schedule such as a weekly schedule. In otherembodiments an update can be initiated by the automated window mechanism1605 automatically upon detecting certain motor parameters. For example,if the automated window mechanism 1605 detects that the speed at whichan open or close instruction is executed has become slower or fasterthan it has been in the past, the force map 1630 can be updatedaccordingly. Other motor parameters include current, temperature, etc.that can be used to conclude that the force map 1630 needs to beupdated.

In other embodiments a condition sensor 1640 can be used in connectionwith the automated window mechanism 1605 to improve the force map 1630.The condition sensor 1640 can be part of the automated window mechanism1605, or separate. The condition sensor 1640 can represent a pluralityof such condition sensors. The condition sensors 1640 can representtemperature sensors, humidity sensors, weather sensors such as rainsensors, and any other condition-identifying sensor that may have abearing on the force map 1630.

As conditions change, so may the force map 1630. FIG. 26 shows the forcemap 1630 of FIG. 25 reproduced, and a second force map 1630 a; whichrepresents a deviation from the force map 1630 accounting for thedifferent conditions. For example, in cold weather it is more likelythat more energy is required to move the automated window mechanism 1605along the path 1609. Peaks 1632 a and 1634 a are higher and further tothe right toward the second end point 1620. It is to be appreciated thatthere is an infinite number of possible force maps and those shown hereare for purposes of illustration and not limitation.

In some embodiments the condition sensors 1640 can determine that asufficiently high change in conditions has occurred and therefore caninitiate an update to the force map 1630. The automated window mechanism1605 can record force maps according to the measured conditions and canemploy the force map pertaining to a given set of conditions if and whenthe conditions arise again. To illustrate an example, consider a simpleexample of a summer force map and a winter force map. The automatedwindow mechanism 1605 can select which force map to employ based oninformation from the condition sensors 1640. There may be any suitablenumber of force maps stored in memory that can be retrieved and employedas often as desired. In some embodiments each time the automated windowmechanism 1605 is instructed to move in any way a proper force map canbe identified and employed. In some embodiments a closest force map canbe identified and employed. If a sufficient deviation between thecurrent conditions based on the conditions sensors 1640 is identified, anew force map can be recorded during movement of the automated windowmechanism 1605.

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a coupled axial clutch 1700 that can beused with the automated window mechanisms shown and described herein.The coupled axial clutch 1700 can be placed at any point on a shaft usedby the automated window mechanism 1605 to transmit torque to the gears,pulleys, or other mechanisms used to move windows according toembodiments shown and described herein. The coupled axial clutch 1700can be selectively engaged or disengaged by axial movement of portionsof the coupled axial clutch 1700. In some embodiments the coupled axialclutch 1700 comprises a first component 1702, a second component 1704,and a coupler 1706 shaped to fit between the first component 1702 andsecond component 1704. The first component 1702 and second components1704 each have teeth 1708 protruding axially toward one another. Thecoupler 1706 also has teeth and are shaped to engage the teeth 1708 suchthat moving the first component 1702 and second component toward oneanother causes the teeth to engage and torque to be transmitted alongthe coupled axial clutch 1700.

FIG. 28 shows another embodiment of an axial clutch 1720 having firstcomponent 1722 and second component 1724 which each have teeth 1728, butthere is no coupler. The teeth 1728 of the axial clutch 1720 engagedirectly with one another. The systems, devices, and methods of thepresent disclosure can be applied to either type of axial clutch:coupled or uncoupled. For purposes of brevity and conciseness, referencewill be made to the axial clutch 1720 without loss of generality.

FIG. 29 is a side view of an axial clutch 1730 according to embodimentsof the present disclosure. The axial clutch 1730 includes a firstcomponent 1732 having a first shaft 1734 and first teeth 1736. The axialclutch 1730 also includes a second component 1742 having a second shaft1744 and second teeth 1746. Axial movement of the first component 1732and second component 1742 toward one another will cause the first teeth1736 to engage with the second teeth 1746. With the teeth engaged theaxial clutch can transmit torque which is used by the automated windowmechanism 1605 to open and close a window. Rotational movement and axialmovement of the first component 1732 and/or the second component 1742can be accomplished via a motor shown and described elsewhere herein. Insome embodiments one of the first component 1732 and second component1742 are capable of being rotated and/or moved axially. In otherembodiments both the first component 1732 and second component 1742 arecapable of being rotated and/or moved axially.

FIG. 30 shows the axial clutch 1730 of FIG. 29 after axial movementcauses engagement between teeth 1736 and teeth 1746. With the teeth soengaged the axial clutch 1730 can transmit torque to perform useful worksuch as raising or lowering an automated window.

The polar position of the first teeth 1736 and second teeth 1746 asmeasured around an axis parallel with the shafts 1734, 1744 as shown inFIGS. 29 and 30 has the teeth aligned and the engagement can take place.If, however, the teeth are not aligned with one another, the teeth maynot engage. In certain embodiments one of the first component 1732 andsecond component 1742 can be rotationally oscillated until the teeth arein position to engage. The oscillation can be caused by the motor (notshown) that actuates the axial clutch 1730. In some embodiments theoscillation can be repeated, back and forth rotation of the firstcomponent 1732, the second component 1742, or both the first and secondcomponents. In some embodiments the magnitude of movement of theoscillation as measured in a circumferential dimension is approximatelyequal to or slightly greater than a circumferential dimension of theteeth 1736, 1746. Oscillating the teeth by a circumferential distanceequal to or slightly greater than the circumferential width of the teethensures that the teeth 1736, 1746 will merge. In some embodiments whereboth the first component 1732 and the second component 1742 areoscillated, each can be oscillated by approximately half thecircumferential width of the teeth. The oscillation can be cyclical,achieving a back-and-forth rotation to encourage the front faces of theteeth 1736, 1746 from sticking.

In some embodiments the oscillation can be executed when the axialclutch 1730 is activated without measuring for interference of theteeth. In other embodiments the axial movement can be monitored forinterference, and if there is interference the oscillation can beinitiated. There are many ways in which the motor can determine whetheror not the axial clutch 1730 has been properly engaged, such asmeasuring position of the first component 1732 and second component1742, measuring relative rotation of the first component 1732 and secondcomponent 1742, measuring motor parameters such as current ortemperature during the axial motion to engage the first component 1732and second component 1742 or during rotation after moving the firstcomponent 1732 and second component 1742 axially toward one another. Insome embodiments the axial and oscillation can take place at the sametime, causing a spiral motion to encourage proper engagement of theteeth. In some embodiments the oscillation may comprise movement in onerotational direction, and as such may not be oscillation at all, butsimply rotation.

FIG. 31 shows one component 1750 of an axial clutch according to furtherembodiments of the present disclosure in which the teeth 1752 aretapered to allow for engagement with corresponding teeth on the othercomponent 1750. The degree of taper can be slight such that the radiallyfacing surfaces of the teeth are still able to transmit torque withoutslipping.

FIG. 32 shows one component 1760 of an axial clutch according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The component 1760 has one tooth1764 that is longer than another tooth 1762. There may be any suitablenumber of teeth, and any number of them may be longer than the others.In certain embodiments one tooth is longer to promote proper engagementwith corresponding teeth on the other component (not shown).

FIG. 33 shows one component 1770 of an axial clutch according to furtherembodiments of the present disclosure. The component 1770 has teeth 1772that each have a tapered leading surface 1774 and a flat surface 1776.The tapered surface 1774 promotes proper engagement with the othercomponent, and the flat surface 1776 transfers torque without slippingthat may be associated with a tapered surface.

These features of the teeth shown in FIGS. 29-33 can be found in variouscombinations of embodiments. For example, in one embodiment there may beteeth having a tapered leading surface, and one or more of the teeth maybe longer than the others. Any suitable combination of these featurescan be employed in various embodiments.

FIG. 34 is an illustration of an axial clutch 1780 and clutch switchassembly 1781 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Theaxial clutch 1780 includes components generally similar to those ofother axial clutches shown and described herein, such as first component1782 and second component 1792. The first component 1782 includes ashaft 1784 and teeth 1786. The second component 1792 includes a shaft1794 and teeth 1796. The axial clutch 1780 operates by moving the firstcomponent 1782 and second component 1792 together to engage the teeth1786 and 1796. With the teeth engaged torque can be transmitted throughthe axial clutch 1780 to raise and lower a window to which the axialclutch 1780 is coupled.

The clutch switch assembly 1781 includes a clutch actuator 1797 coupledto the shaft 1794. The clutch actuator 1797 is configured to move thesecond component 1792 toward and away from the first component 1782 toengage and disengage them. The clutch actuator 1797 may comprise asolenoid, a magnet, a motor, or any other suitable mechanism to actuatethe axial clutch 1780 by axial movement. The clutch actuator 1797 may becoupled to the shaft 1794 or the second component 1792. In someembodiments the clutch actuator 1797 may be coupled to the firstcomponent 1782. In some embodiments each component has a clutch actuator1797. In some embodiments the clutch actuator 1797 is configured toexecute the oscillations discussed above with respect to FIGS. 29-32 .

The clutch switch assembly 1781 also includes encoders 1799 a and 1799 bthat are coupled to the one or both the first component 1782 or thesecond component 1792. In some embodiments the encoder comprises asingle encoder 1799 a attached to the second component 1792 on the sameside as the clutch actuator 1797. In other embodiments the encodercomprises a single encoder 1799 b attached to the first component 1782opposite the clutch actuator 1797. The encoders 1799 a and 1799 b may bereferred to collectively herein as the encoder 1799 or the encoders1799. The encoders 1799 are configured to monitor axial and/orrotational movement of the components relative to one another. Theencoder 1799 plays a role in calibrating the automated window mechanismshown and discussed above with respect to FIGS. 23-26 . The rotationalposition of the axial clutch 1780 can be mapped to the position of thewindow segment moved during calibration.

The clutch switch assembly 1781 also includes a switch 1798 shown herecoupled to the clutch actuator 1797 and operable to engage or disengagethe clutch actuator 1797 from the axial clutch 1780. A user can manuallyoperate the switch 1798, or it can be operated automatically usingsignals from the controller or from a remote device according toembodiments of the present disclosure. Operating the switch 1789 rendersthe clutch actuator 1797 unable to engage the axial clutch 1780, so thatthe window may be raised and lowered without the axial clutch 1797interfering. A user can operate the switch 1789 to move the window byhand for any desired reason. The switch 1798 can include a timer afterwhich time the switch 1797 returns to the engaged position such that thewindow can be raised and lowered using the motor (not shown) and axialclutch 1780 to do so. The timer may include a schedule that the user caninput or customize as desired.

The encoder 1799 remains operational regardless of the position of theswitch 1798. By so doing, the encoder 1799 maintains the calibration ofthe automated window mechanism regardless of the switch 1798 coupling oruncoupling the clutch actuator 1797. A user can disengage the clutchswitch 1798, move the window up and down however they like, and uponflipping the switch 1798 again the motor is once again engaged and dueto the calibration still contains end points for movement.

In some embodiments the encoder 1799 b is opposite the motor and is onthe same side as the window. Rotation of the second component 1792 whilethe axial clutch 1780 is not engaged does not affect the position of thewindow and is not monitored by the encoder 1799 b, so the encoder 1799 bcan remain engaged and monitoring rotational position of the firstcomponent 1782. In other embodiments the encoder 1799 a is attached tothe motor side, opposite the window side. Accordingly, the encoder 1799a can be configured to selectively monitor position of the secondcomponent 1792, such that the encoder 1799 a records movement forpurposes of maintaining the calibration end points only when the axialclutch 1780 is engaged. If for any reason the axial clutch 1780 is notengaged the encoder 1799 a does not record movement. Accordingly, thecalibration end points are maintained regardless of using the switch1798 to render the clutch actuator 1797 inoperable.

In some embodiments the encoder 1799 can account for rotationaldeviation caused by the oscillations described above. In someembodiments the encoder 1799 can maintain an oscillation zero point towhich the axial clutch 1780 can return after the oscillations arecomplete and the axial clutch 1780 is engaged. In other embodiments theencoder 1799 can monitor the position of the axial clutch 1780throughout the oscillations and therefore no return to zero point isrequired.

The clutch switch assembly 1781 also operates as a lock. With the switch1798 in the engaged position, and axial clutch 1780 engaged, the motor(not shown) will prevent the window from moving unless the motorreceives specific instruction to move to raise or lower the window. Itis to be appreciated that the axial clutch 1780 can be placed at anypoint along a power transmission mechanism between a motor and thewindow.

The calibration can result in any arbitrary limits on window movementwhich can be useful to define window movement limits. In some cases,these limits are not based on a physical limitation but rather on adesired limit. If the clutch switch assembly 1781 is used to release themotor and the window is moved manually outside of the calibration range,that is, beyond the first or second end points in either direction(refer to FIGS. 24-26 ). The clutch switch assembly 1781 may bereengaged outside of the end points. In this the automated windowmechanism 1605 can take one of three possible actions given in noparticular order. First, the automated window mechanism 1605 can requesta recalibration by issuing a signal to an electronic device, emitting asound, a light, or a pre-recorded voice message instructing the user torecalibrate. Second, the automated window mechanism 1605 can move backinto the calibration range by calculating a distance from the nearestend point, and by moving the window that distance to reach the nearestend point. This can be done upon reengaging the clutch switch assembly1781. Third, the current value can be redefined as the new end point,whether first or second, depending on which is the nearest end point. Inthis case a notice can be issued to alert the user that the calibrationhas been reset.

FIG. 35 is a plot 1800 of window position according to embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The plot 1800 can represent distance between endpoints along an actual path of motion as determining using calibrationoperations disclosed and shown elsewhere herein. The plot 1800 will beused to describe a feature called “backlash” or “backup.” As the windowis moved along the path of motion and reaches one of the end points,there may be an obstacle such as the end of the frame or another objectphysically preventing the window from moving further. Such may be usedto define end points according to the calibration. Referring back to theaxial clutches shown and described above, at the end points there may bestored energy in the axial clutch between teeth of cooperatingcomponents of the clutch. In other embodiments using a different powertransmission mechanism there may still be stored energy. For purposes ofbrevity this discussion will refer to the axial clutch. However, it isto be understood that other transmission mechanisms may be possible andwill benefit from the backlash equally.

The stored energy in the axial clutch may present a problem of making itdifficult or impossible to release the axial clutch because of frictionbetween the teeth. In order to prevent this, the motor driving theautomated window mechanism can be configured to retreat a certaindistance, defined as the backlash, when the motor stops. Referring againto the plot 1800, a left extreme 1802 represents the farthest point tothe left; a right extreme 1810 represents the farthest point to theright. It is to be appreciated that left and right are used with respectto FIG. 35 and in an actual window the extremes may be up and down,right and left, left and right, or any other possible configuration. Theleft backlash is at 1804; the right backlash 1808 is at 1808. The pathin the middle is at 1806.

The distance of the backlash can be equal to a rotational movement thatwould begin to exert pressure on the axial clutch in the oppositedirection. The backlash can account for any play in the axial clutch.Suppose for example that there are 4 degrees of play in the axialclutch. The backlash can be equal to a rotational movement sufficient torelease the stored energy in a first direction, plus the 4 degrees ofplay in the axial clutch, plus an additional movement to press on theaxial clutch in the opposite direction just before the window beginsmovement in the opposite direction. The backlash may be known in themanufacturing stage and can be built into the controller(s) operatingthe motor. Accordingly, a move command may include the following steps:engage (or confirm engagement of) axial clutch; operate motor to movewindow; reach endpoint; reverse movement for backlash. Accordingly, theaxial clutch rests without stored energy, allowing for release.

In some embodiments a neutral point can be defined as equal to half thebacklash. If the backlash is defined as a distance between moving thewindow in either direction, the neutral point is halfway betweenbacklash end points.

In some embodiments the motor can be configured to reverse to releaseenergy using the backlash no matter where the window stops. In theseembodiments the motor may receive a command to open partway, and uponreaching the desired stopping point, whether or not the window isabutting a frame or other obstacle, the motor can release usingbacklash. In embodiments in which the window moves horizontally and theweight of the window does not directly bear on the axial clutch, thebacklash can be equal in both directions. In embodiments in which theaxial clutch bears the weight of the window, the backlash can accountfor this and release energy using backlash when the motor moves downwardand can maintain energy if the movement is upward.

FIG. 36 is a flow chart diagram of a method 1820 for determining andimplementing an automatic, intelligent duty cycle according toembodiments of the present disclosure. A duty cycle is defined as anamount of time a given machine can operate before overheating orreaching some other work-stopping condition. The automatic windowmechanisms, motors, actuators, controllers, and transmission mechanismsshown and described herein generate heat when operated, and as with allmachinery, too much heat can damage the machinery. One approach to dutycycle is to build in extra capacity such that there are sufficientlyheat-dissipating systems that a duty cycle is never met. This approachcan lead to machinery that is overqualified and therefore more expensivethan could be. This approach also depends on knowing the loads on thesystem and building accordingly.

The method 1820 of the present disclosure improves on conventional dutycycle methods as will be shown and described herein. At 1822 theautomatic window mechanism is installed, and at 1824 it is calibratedaccording to the calibration operations shown and described herein. Aforce map may be created. At 1826 a calculation is performed of theactual work performed as a function of distance. The force map may beposition-sensitive according to the force map. The higher the force onthe force map, the more energy required to move along that portion ofthe map. By analogy, the work performed is equal to the integral of theforce map. The area under the force map curve defines the workperformed. At 1828, the duty cycle is set according to the workperformed. At 1830, if a limit is reached, a warning can be issued, or ashutdown can be triggered.

Accordingly, the duty cycle is automatic and intelligent, being basedupon an actual calculation of work performed at the specific window inquestion.

Referring back to FIG. 23 which shows a window 1600 in an open state andin a closed state according to embodiments of the present disclosure.The window 1600 includes a lower panel 1606 which moves up and down inresponse to instructions given to an automated window mechanism 1605attached to the lower panel 1606. In the open state the lower panel 1606has a distance A between the lower panel and the frame or sill oranother lower boundary. Referring to FIG. 24 , a first end point 1619and second end point 1620 are shown and are defined by calibrating theautomated window mechanism 1605 to move between the first and second endpoints.

The automated window mechanism 1605 of the present disclosure can avoidpinching fingers or any other object or obstacle in the window 1600. Theautomated window mechanism 1605 can operate in a first state duringnormal operation and during the intermediate portion of the actual pathof motion 1610. Nearing the end points, the automated window mechanism1605 can enter a second state in which certain precautions are taken andparameters changed to avoid pinching. The region near the end points canbe referred to as a proximate closing zone. The second state can be areduced state. Operation in the safe or reduced state can includeslowing down a rate of movement of the lower panel 1606. In someembodiments the speed of the motor of the automated window mechanism1605 can be reduced such as by reducing actual rotations per minute ofthe motor, reducing the electrical current drawn by the motor, or byreducing the voltage to the motor. In embodiments the encoder 1616,which monitors the position of the lower panel 1606 relative to theactual path of motion 1610, can monitor position of the lower panel 1606relative to the first or second end points. The automated windowmechanism 1605 can include a pinch tolerance defined as a distance fromone or the other end point at which point the automated window mechanism1605 enters the second state. When the encoder 1616 determines that thelower panel 1606 has reached the pinch tolerance, the automated windowmechanism 1605 can be configured to enter the second state.

In some embodiments another trigger to enter the second state can be anydeparture greater than a predetermined threshold from the force map.That is, if an unusually large or small force is exerted by theautomated window mechanism 1605 that represents too large of a departurefrom expected, the automated window mechanism 1605 can enter the secondstate.

During operation, the automated window mechanism 1605 can continuouslycheck the force map and forces. The check can be discrete checkinstances that can take place on a regular basis, such as every 0.1second. More or less frequent polling rates are possible. In someembodiments the second state can be defined as a reduced speed.Maintaining the same polling rate, while slowing down movement, resultsin a higher resolution per unit distance. It effectively increases theresolution. In other embodiments the map can be checked at predeterminedtime intervals. Moving slower makes for higher resolution. In otherembodiments the automated window mechanism can maintain speed and changetime intervals. In other embodiments both the speed of the window andthe polling rate can be increased during the second state. In otherembodiments a tolerance for deviation from the force map can be reducedin the second state. In some embodiments the tolerance for deviationfrom the force map is a proportional to distance from closed.

In some embodiments the size of the window is accounted for by thecalibration. That is, the position of the automated window mechanism1605 relative to the window component that it is attached to isdetermined by the calibration. The automated window mechanism 1605 neednot know the dimensions of the window—the calibration process describedabove provides the information sufficient to execute pinch protectionprecautions. Accordingly, the window 1600 can be opened or closedwithout undue fear of pinching fingers or any other item in the window.

FIG. 37 illustrates a transmission assembly 1800 including an axialclutch formed of a first component 1802 and a second component 1804 andincluding a tattletale unit 1816 according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The axial clutch operates generally similarly to other axialclutches shown and described herein. It is also to be appreciated thatin other embodiments a different form of transmission component can beemployed with the tattletale unit. The transmission assembly 1800includes a clutch switch assembly 1808 including a clutch actuator 1810and a clutch switch 1812 that can engage or disengage the transmissionassembly 1800 by manually flipping the clutch switch 1812 or byreceiving an electronic instruction to do so from a remote unit. Thetransmission assembly 1800 may include an encoder 1815 configured tomonitor movement of the transmission assembly 1800. The encoder 1815 maybe coupled to the window side of the transmission assembly 1800 as shownhere. In other embodiments there may be an encoder attached to the motorside as shown in FIG. 33 . A motor 1814 is shown attached to a shaft1806. The motor 1814 provides power to rotate the shaft 1806 and if thetransmission assembly is engaged, this will result in the window movingrelative to a window frame as shown and described in detail with respectto FIGS. 1 and 2 and other herein.

The tattletale unit 1816 monitors engagement or disengagement of theclutch switch assembly 1808 to inform a user of activity relating to theclutch switch assembly 1808. The tattletale unit 1816 includes atransmitter 1818 that is operatively coupled to the clutch switchassembly 1808 and the motor 1814 and is configured to receiveinformation describing actions of these items. The transmitter 1818 isconnected to a remote device 1820 which can include a mobile phone, asmart phone, or a remote server configured to manage such information ina useful way. The tattle tale unit 1816 can record instances of movementof the clutch switch 1812, the clutch actuator, the encoder 1815, or themotor 1814.

The tattletale unit 1816 may include a processor and memory to performinstructions and logic to determine how to report the information to theuser. The processor and memory may reside in the transmitter 1818, or inthe remote device 1820. The user may instruct the processor and memoryto provide information how and when it is desired. In some embodiments anotification can be given any time there is movement in any of themonitored components. In other embodiments a notification can be givenonly if the window actually moves. In some embodiments the tattletaleunit 1816 can issue loud alarm locally to the window to alert thosenearby of the movement which may be from a would-be intruder or awould-be escapist. In some embodiments the tattletale unit may storeinformation in an accessible way without providing notifications forcertain observed events, so the user can use the stored informationafter the fact to determine what has happened with the window in aprecise way. The tattletale unit 1816 accordingly operates as a securitydevice.

FIG. 38 shows an alignment tool 1850 according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The alignment tool 1850 enables placement of awindow piece 1510 shown and described above with respect to FIGS. 16-22. The alignment tool 1850 enables placement of the window piece 1510with respect to a window 1852. The window 1852 has an edge surface 1854,a window front surface 1856, and a window front edge 1858 defined aswhere the window front surface 1856 and front edge 1858 meet. Thealignment tool 1850 has a lip 1860 and a base 1862 similar to the windowpiece 1510 itself. The alignment tool 1850 may also have a back wall1864 that extends upwardly from the base 1862. The alignment tool 1850also has a platform 1866 that extends outwardly from the base 1862.

As shown and described in greater detail above, the automated windowmechanisms of the present disclosure include a rack 1868 having rackteeth 1870. The rack 1868 provides a way for the automated windowmechanism to move the window 1852. In some embodiments the alignmenttool 1850 is placed onto the window 1852 onto the window front edge 1858with the alignment tool against a side frame 1867. The lip 1860 and base1862 can be placed onto the window front edge 1858 as shown. The rack1868 can then be placed onto the platform 1866. The dimensions of thealignment tool 1850 ensure that the automated window mechanism, wheninstalled, will mate properly with the teeth 1870 of the rack 1868 bothin terms of position relative to the window, and in terms of timing ofthe gears of the automated window mechanism. The alignment tool 1850 canhave a second platform 1866 a on the opposite side that is used forinstalling on the other side of the window.

The alignment tool 1850 has a void 1872 that defines a placement guidefor the window piece 1510. The user simply places the window piece 1510into the void 1872. An adhesive or other fastening mechanism can securethe window piece 1510 to the window 1852. The alignment tool 1850 can beremoved once the rack 1868 and window piece 1510 are in place. The usercan then install the automated window mechanism onto the centeralignment member 1540 which is shown and described in greater detail inFIGS. 16-22 .

The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

All patents and published patent applications referred to herein areincorporated herein by reference. The invention has been described withreference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques.Nevertheless, it is understood that many variations and modificationsmay be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automated window mechanism, comprising: amotor coupled to a moving component of a window and being configured tomove the moving component relative to a window frame; an encoder coupledto the moving component of the window and being configured to monitor aposition of the moving component relative to the frame along a pathbetween a first end point and a second endpoint; a sensor configured tomonitor at least one of current, voltage and velocity to therebydetermine a force required of the motor to move the moving componentalong the path; a processor; and memory; wherein the sensor, theprocessor, and the memory work together to store one or morecomputer-readable instructions executable by the processor to performacts comprising: monitoring at least one of current, voltage, andvelocity of the motor to thereby determine a force required to move themoving component along the path; instructing the motor to move themoving component from the first end point to the second end point;monitoring the force as a function of position along the path betweenthe first end point and the second end point; storing the force as afunction of position as a force map; and if the force required to movethe moving component deviates from the force map by more than apredetermined tolerance, taking at least one of the following actions:stopping the motor, reversing direction of the motor, alerting a user tothe deviation.
 2. The automated window mechanism of claim 1, furthercomprising: an environmental condition sensor configured to monitor anenvironmental condition, wherein the acts performed by the processorfurther comprise storing the force map and the environmental conditiontogether as an environmental condition-specific force map.
 3. Theautomated window mechanism of claim 1, wherein the acts furthercomprise: storing a plurality of environmental conditions andcorresponding force maps as a plurality of environmentalcondition-specific force maps; and in response to an instruction to movethe moving component, selecting an environmental condition-specificforce map from among the plurality of environmental condition-specificforce maps for use with the motor.
 4. The automated window mechanism ofclaim 2, wherein the environmental condition sensor comprises one ormore of a thermometer, a humidity monitor, and a wind gauge.
 5. Theautomated window mechanism of claim 1, wherein the acts furthercomprise: calculating a duty cycle for the motor according to the forcemap; and using the duty cycle to set a limit for the motor.
 6. Anautomated window mechanism, comprising: a motor coupled to a movingcomponent of a window and being configured to move the moving componentrelative to a window frame; an encoder coupled to the moving componentof the window and being configured to monitor a position of the movingcomponent relative to the frame along a path between a first end pointand a second endpoint; a sensor configured to monitor at least one ofcurrent, voltage and velocity to thereby determine a force required ofthe motor to move the moving component along the path; a processor; andmemory; a battery coupled to the motor and configured to power themotor, and wherein the acts further comprise: calculating a duty cyclefor the motor according to the force map; and using the duty cycle toset a limit for the battery; wherein the sensor, the processor, and thememory work together to store one or more computer-readable instructionsexecutable by the processor to perform acts comprising: monitoring atleast one of current, voltage, and velocity of the motor to therebydetermine a force required to move the moving component along the path;instructing the motor to move the moving component from the first endpoint to the second end point; monitoring the force as a function ofposition along the path between the first end point and the second endpoint; storing the force as a function of position as a force map; andif the force required to move the moving component deviates from theforce map by more than a predetermined tolerance, taking at least one ofthe following actions: stopping the motor, reversing direction of themotor, alerting a user to the deviation.
 7. The automated windowmechanism of claim 1, wherein the acts further comprise: using the forcemap to calculate a motor output; and operating the motor according tothe calculated motor output to achieve a uniform speed of movement ofthe moving component along the path.
 8. A method, comprising: receivinga first endpoint and a second endpoint defining a movement path of awindow relative to a window frame; moving the window along the movementpath with a motor; monitoring a force exerted by the motor as a functionof position of the window relative to the window frame; storing theforce exerted by the motor as a function of position as a force map; inresponse to an instruction, moving the window along the movement path;while the motor moves the window along the movement path, monitoring acurrent force exerted by the motor; comparing the current force to theforce map; and if the force deviates from the force map by more than apredetermined threshold, taking at least one of the following steps:stopping the motor, reversing direction of the motor, and alerting auser of the deviation.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising ifthe force deviates from the force map by more than the predeterminedthreshold, issuing a warning.
 10. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising: monitoring one or more environmental conditionscorresponding to the force map; storing one or more force mapscorresponding to the one or more environmental conditions; and inresponse to the instruction, selecting a force map suited to a currentenvironmental condition and employing the force map for comparison tothe current force.
 11. The method of claim 8, further comprisingdefining a duty cycle for the motor based on the force map.
 12. Themethod of claim 8 wherein monitoring the force exerted by the motorcomprises monitoring a current drawn, a voltage, or a velocity of themotor.
 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising operating the motorat varying levels according to the force map to achieve a substantiallyuniform speed of movement of the window along the movement path.
 14. Anautomated window mechanism, comprising: a mounting assembly coupled to awindow, the window having a sliding component and a stationarycomponent, the mounting assembly being coupled to one of the slidingcomponent and the stationary component; a motor in the mountingassembly; a driveshaft coupled to the motor; a gear coupled to thedriveshaft; a rack coupled to the other of the sliding component and thestationary component, wherein the motor drives the driveshaft and gearto move along the rack to move the sliding component along a movementpath; a force measuring component coupled to one of the motor,driveshaft, and gear and being configured to monitor a force exerted bythe motor; a memory configured to store a force map defined as the forceexerted by the motor as a function of position along the movement path;and a comparison module configured to compare current force exerted bythe motor during operation of the motor to the force map; wherein themotor either stop, reverse direction or alert a user if the comparisonmodule identifies a deviation from the force map greater than apredetermined threshold.
 15. The automated window mechanism of claim 14,wherein the motor is configured to operate based on a duty cycle basedat least in part upon the force map.
 16. The automated window mechanismof claim 14, further comprising an environmental condition sensorconfigured to monitor at least one of temperature and humidity, whereinthe memory is configured to store a plurality of force maps pertainingto different environmental conditions.
 17. The automated windowmechanism of claim 14 wherein the memory is configured to receive aninstruction to delete the force map and wherein the force measuringcomponent is configured to receive an instruction to establish a newforce map.
 18. The automated window mechanism of claim 14 wherein themotor comprises an electric motor, and wherein the force measuringcomponent is configured to monitor at least one of current, voltage, andvelocity of the electric motor.
 19. The automated window mechanism ofclaim 14 wherein the driveshaft comprises an axial clutch, and whereinthe force measuring component is configured to monitor force in theaxial clutch.
 20. The automated window mechanism of claim 14 wherein theautomated window mechanism is configured to issue an alarm if thedeviation exceeds the predetermined threshold.